Final answer:
The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is important to avoid sleep debt. Changes in sleep patterns, such as those caused by traveling across time zones, can lead to jet lag, but can be managed with proper planning and strategies like bright light therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average person's sleep needs change throughout their lifetime. While infants may require up to 16 hours of sleep a day, adults typically need between 7-9 hours, according to the National Sleep Foundation. As we age, the amount of sleep naturally lessens, with those 65 and older averaging less than 7 hours per night. It's essential to monitor and maintain good sleep hygiene, as chronic sleep debt can lead to diminished alertness and mental performance.
For individuals experiencing disruptions in their normal sleep patterns, especially college students who often struggle with getting sufficient rest due to stress and schedule demands, it's crucial to adopt strategies to manage a healthy sleep routine. Proper sleep is not only related to physical health but is also crucial for learning and memory functions as hormones important for growth and maturation are secreted during sleep.
When scheduling trips, considerations should be made for the impact on one's circadian rhythm. Traveling across time zones can lead to jet lag, involving symptoms like fatigue and irritability. Planning a schedule that allows for gradual adjustment to new time zones can help in alleviating these symptoms and reducing sleep debt. Bright light therapy is one potential method to help reset circadian rhythms when dealing with such disruptions.